As we might expect from this group, the best performances come in those pieces requiring spacious grandeur and a generalised awesome sound -- the works by Viadana particularly benefit here, as Gabrieli's famous "In ecclesiis" . . . There's fine soprano singing in "Laetatus sum" by Viadana, and a lovely cornett instrumental introduction to Barbarino's "Exaudi Deus".

Hollingworth's impeccable delivery of extra-special crunch moments provides plenty of points to knock your socks off, especially during Gabrieli's colossal "Magnificat" . . . A few moments caused me to raise my eyebrows in puzzled delight: a sudden interruption of cannon fire, pealing bells and military brass fanfare shocks like a veritable 1812 overture rather than a 1612 Vespers . . . one can only relish I Fagiolini's gutsy soloists -- none more so than the thrilling dialogue between high tenor Nicholas Mulroy and bass Greg Skidmore . . . I Fagiolini's "1612 Italian Vespers" is a thrillingly opulent special event of the sort very few early music ensembles achieve once in a career . . . Decca deserves kudos for promoting Hollingworth's laudable hunger to explore interesting repertoire of compelling quality that lies neglected apart from the attention of a few scholars . . . The glorious music and comprehensive booklet-notes on their own terms offer plenty of nutrition to the hungry listener . . . superlative quality of singing and playing . . .

Copious and scholarly notes mark the boundaries of this highly intelligent and wonderfully produced reconstruction of a 1612 Rosary Vespers . . . There are truly grand passages that use church bells and cannon fire (appropriate because of the battle theme), and some beautiful and subtle moments of transparency and clarity . . . this is a fine recording, and the Decca two-channel sound is clear, resonant, and given in great detail.

Record Review /
Steven Ritter,
Audiophile Audition / 17. October 2012

All the singers and players execute with loving precision . . . they blend in a satisfying whole . . . Intelligently conceived, neatly executed, this disc exemplifies the turn of the 17th century in an original way.